Colorado approves civil unions for gay couples
Source: Associated Press
Colorado approves civil unions for gay couples
Legislators take historic vote in US state where voters banned same-sex marriage seven years ago
Associated Press in Denver
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 13 March 2013 03.24 EDT
Colorado legislators have taken a historic vote to approve civil unions for gay couples, delivering on a campaign promise from Democrats who have capitalised on the changing political landscape of a state where voters banned same-sex marriage not long ago.
The bill on its way to Democratic governor John Hickenlooper is expected to be signed into law within two weeks, capping a three-year fight over a proposal to grant gay couples rights similar to marriage.
Once the measure is signed Colorado will join eight US states that have civil unions or similar laws. Nine states and the District of Columbia allow gay marriage.
Civil unions for gay couples became a rallying cry for Democrats, who took control of the Colorado legislature in last year's elections. Democrats control both chambers and the party elected Colorado's first openly gay House speaker, Mark Ferrandino.
Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/mar/13/colorado-civil-unions-gay-couples
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